Safety portable radiant type electrical heater

ABSTRACT

An iodine quartz bulb is focused with a polished parabolic reflector. Cooling air is blown around the reflector and on the inside of the reflector to cool not only the bulb but also the reflector itself. The cooling air is surrounded by a protective shroud, which has a nozzle on the forward portion thereof to direct the cooling gas around the work. The cooling gas directed around the work helps heat the work and, also, if an inert gas is used as the cooling gas, the gas also acts to purge the work so as to eliminate combustion. As a safety measure, a magnet is located in the gas supply to the shroud. The gas flow moves the magnet. The electrical current to the bulb is responsive to this gas flow. Therefore, should the flow of gas become interupted, the lamp automatically turns off. There is no way to furnish electricity to the lamp except with the flow of gas. The handle is located beneath the shroud so the device has a pleasant heft. Also, the length of the device is reduced to a minimum to provide for working in close and confined areas.

United States Patent [191 Ray [ Feb.4, 1975 1 1 SAFETY PORTABLE RADIANT TYPE ELECTRICAL HEATER [75] Inventor: Jimmy C. Ray, Denison, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Industrial Innovations, Inc.,

Denison, Tex.

1221 Filed: Sept. 21, 1973 {21] Appl. No.: 399,607

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 239,692, March 30,

1972, Pat. No. 3,792,230.

[52] U.S. C1. 219/343, ZOO/81.9 M, 240/47, 219/85 BA, 219/346, 219/347, 2 1 9/358,

[51] Int. C1.1-105b l/02, F2lv 29/00, 1-105b 3/00 [58] Field of Search 219/339, 340, 342, 343, 219/346-358, 377, 85 BA, 85 BM; 128/395, 128/396; 240/47, 52.3; ZOO/81.9 M

3,242,314 3/1966 Eckles 219/354 X 3,792,230 2/1974 Ray 219/347 X Primary Examiner-A. Bartis A rtorney, Agent, or Firm Wendell Coffee [57] ABSTRACT An iodine quartz bulb is focused with a polished parabolic reflector. Cooling air is blown around the reflector and on the inside of the reflector to cool not only the bulb but also the reflector itself. The cooling air is surrounded by a protective shroud, which has a nozzle on the forward portion thereof to direct the cooling gas around the work. The cooling gas directed around the work helps heat the work and, also, if an inert gas is used as the cooling gas, the gas also acts to purge the work so as to eliminate combustion.

As a safety measure, a magnet is located in the gas supply to the shroud. The gas flow moves the magnet. The electrical current to the bulb is responsive to this gas flow. Therefore, should the flow of gas become interupted, the lamp automatically turns off. There is no way to furnish electricity to the lamp except with the flow of gas.

The handle is located beneath the shroud so the device has a pleasant heft. Also, the length of the device is reduced to a minimum to provide for working in close and confined areas.

2 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 41975 3.864.547

SHiEI 2 [1F 6 PATENTED FEB 41975 SHEEI 5 OF 6 FIG.6

SAFETY PORTABLE RADIANT TYPE ELECTRICAL HEATER CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application is a continuation-in-part of my patent application Ser. No. 239,692, filed Mar. 30, I972 which on Feb. 12, 1974, issued as US. Pat. No. 3,792,230. That application was co-pending with prior embodiments shown in what was then application Ser. No. D] 10,381, which, on Jan. 16, I973, issued on US. Pat. No. D.225,960.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

I. Field of the Invention This invention relates to radiant-type electrical heating with an infrared heating element having a reflector therefor.

2. Description of the Prior Art Prior to my invention, iodine quartz lamps were well known and used to produce brilliant light and infrared heat waves. These lamps are well known and commercially on the market. For various purposes in the prior irt. filters were used at times to separate the light from the heat, m some applications the light being used and if. some applications the heat being used. Also, it was recognized that these lights needed a flow of gas around them to cool the light.

Because of the intense heat produced by these lamps, trouble has been experienced with the heat destroying the reflectors. One of the primary efforts to control this problem was the use of a reflector which was not destroyed by the heat.

In my prior application, noted above, the cooling gas for the lamp and the reflector was also used to cool the filter.

Before my invention, triacs were known to the art and used. These solid state devices provided a switch to turn on and off large currents, e.g., over five amps. Before my invention, magnetic responsive switches had b en developed and were commercially available on the market.

As to prior art, I specifically and by reference refer to all of the prior art noted either by myself or the Patent Office in the prosecution history of the two above identified patent applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION New and Different Function I have discovered that a more effective lamp is devised if no lense or filter is used to separate the visible light and the heat rays. Therefore, it is necessary that the operator use goggles or the like to shield his eyes from the intense light produced by the device; otherwise, the light is so brilliant upon the work, it is difficult for the operator to function, e.g. solder. However, I have determined that it is desirable to place a nozzle to prevent an excessive flow of air. Also, at the front of the nozzle, I have provided a spoiler or other device to interupt the free flow of gas so the gas flows in a controlled manner over the work. The gas that has cooled the lamp is used to purge the work of oxygen, eliminating a combustion problem.

So this device can be used in an explosive atmosphere, I have found it desirable to have the switch for the device responsive to the flow of the cooling gas. As a safety measure, it is more desirable to have the switch responsive to the flow of gas rather than merely the presence of gas pressure. Inasmuch as this device is to be used for soldering, if the end of the nozzle is brought close to the work so there is an interuption of the flow of gas because of the proximity of the nozzle to work, the electrical current will be cut off because there will be a reduction of the flow. It is emphasized that the supply of electricity to the lamp is responsive to the flow of gas and not the presence of gas pressure.

Because this device is normally used in underground tunnels or manholes or the like, space is often at a premium. Therefore, this device is designed so it can be used in highly confined areas where there is only a limited space between the wall and work desired to be heated. To make the device as short as possible, I have placed the handle underneath the shroud rather than behind the shroud. This not only reduces the overall length of the device so it can be used in confined areas, but it also provides a good feel with a comfortable heft, thus making it more easily controlled and manipulated by the operator.

An object of this invention is to provide a lamp device to concentrate heat upon a small area.

Another object is to make this lamp device usable in an explosive atmosphere.

A further object is to make this lamp device usable in confined spaces.

Other objects are to achieve the above with a device that is sturdy, compact, durable, lightweight, simple, safe, efficient, versatile, and reliable, yet inexpensive and easy to manufacture, adjust, operate, and maintain.

Still further objects are to achieve the above with a method that is versatile, rapid, efficient, and inexpensive, and does not require skilled people to adjust, operate, and maintain.

The specific nature of the invention, as well as other objects, uses, and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, the different views of which are not necessarily to the same scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

FIG. I is a side elevational view ofa device according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the device.

FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of the shroud and reflector and a portion of the gas connections and conduits thereto taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the nozzle and shroud taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an axial sectional view of a modified form of the nozzle taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a side section of the handle taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIG. 7.

FIG. '7 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIGS. 6 and 8.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the handle with the side grip removed therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there may be seen the device which has pistol grip 10 with valve operator 12. Also, electrical connection or cable I4 is bundled with gas tube I6 to form a single cord to the base of the grip I0. Shroud 18 has nozzle 20 at the forward portion thereof. The grip I is connected by pedestal 22 at about the midpoint of the shroud and nozzle. The major portion of the weight is either in the grip or in base 24 of the lamp 26. Although it may be shown that it is not absolutely critical, but, in either of the embodiments of FIG. I or FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the weight is in the line which includes the confines of the grip l0. l.e., if a line is drawn from the forward portion of the grip where the fingers encircle the grip and another line is drawn through the back of the grip where the palm would contact the grip, the center of gravity of the entire device would be between these two lines. This is true whether the grip would be located somewhat forward as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1 or somewhat to the rear as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 3. Stated other wise, in referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the pistol grip has an index finger bight 13. The center of gravity of the device is basically centered above the index finger bight 13.

Gas tube I6 forms a source of supply of gas under pressure to the device through the grip. Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, connection 28 is at the base or heel 30 of the grip l0. Cylindrical bore 32 extends up ward in the grip. Magnet 34 is located within the bore 32. It is located, generally, in a lower position (as seen in FIG. 6) by upper spring 36. Lower spring 38 maintains it in position and prevents impact to the magnet being too harshly pushed down by the upper spring 36. The bore 32 terminates with valve 40 which is operated by the aforementioned valve operator 12. The outlet from the valve 40 is connected to second bore 42 extending at about right angles to the original bore 32.

Nipple 44 connects the body of the grip to the pedestal 22. The grip 10 is made of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum. Synthetic plastic shapes 46 are attached to each side. Inasmuch as most synthetic plastics are poor heat conductors, they provide a comfortable grip for the operator.

Spacers 48 and shield 50 are attached between the pedestal and the grip. The spacer 48 is adjacent to the pedestal 22 and shield 50 is adjacent to the grip 10. The pedestal 22 is connected to the grip 10 by screws extending therethrough (not shown). The shield 50 and the spacer 48 are made of material resistant to heat transfer so little heat is transferred back into the handle. The pedestal 22 is connected to cradle 52 which itself is connected to the bottom of the shroud l8. Cradle nipple 54 extends through the cradle 52 into the interior of the shroud l8. Shroud tube 56 extends from elbow 58 to rear plenum 60. The plenum is formed by rear block 62 mounted within the rear of the shroud l8 and base plate 64. The base 24 is mounted upon the base plate 64. Insulating shield 66 is attached to the rear of the block 62.

As may be seen, the shroud 18 is circular in cross section. In longitudinal section it has a forward major portion of a large diameter and a rear portion of reduced diameter. The block 62 is in the rear portion of reduced diameter.

As previously stated, the shroud tube 56 extends into the plenum extending through the base plate 64. The base plate 64 has a plurality of perforations (not shown) to permit the air to pass into the space between the base 24 and the shroud 18.

Therefore, when the gas tube 16 is connected to a source of gas under pressure and the valve 40 is open,

there will be a flood of gas passing through the handle or grip 10 through the tubes and connections, hereto fore described, into the plenum 60 and through the perforated base plate 64 to flood an inert cooling stream of gas around the base 24 and the lamp 26 inserted in the base.

Particularly referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there may be seen that the nozzle 20 is telescoped into the forward or larger portion of the shroud I6 as held securely in place by three screws 68 (FIG. 4). Reflector 70 surrounds the lamp 26 and is telescoped within the shroud l8 and the nozzle 20. The reflector 70 is also held in position by the screws 68. The reflector extends downwardly over the lamp 26, although it does not extend all the way to the base 24. There is opening 72 near the focus of the parabolic shape of the reflector. This opening permits the reflector to be assembled over the lamp 26. In addition, this opening provides a space for the gas flow to flow between the reflector and the lamp 26, cooling both the lamp and the reflector. There are tuyeres or thumbnail shaped openings 74 shaped into the nozzle wherein the reflector telescopes therein. This provides a gas passage or an opening for the gas which flows between the reflector and the shroud to pass into the nozzle 20 itself. The nozzle tapers inward to a small opening at the forward end of the entire device. It. like the shroud, is of circular cross section. The crosssectional area of the attachment of the nozzle to the shroud is at least four times greater than the crosssectional area of the outlet of the nozzle. Shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the forward edge of the shroud has inturned flange 76. It is specifically pointed out that the forward outlet of the nozzle is not smooth; therefore, there will not be a smooth, rapid flow of gases from the nozzle, but the smooth flow of gases will be spoiled by the inturned flange 76 so there is a turbulent flow of gas from the nozzle. This provides a retention of the inert gases within the lamp to prevent any possibility of explosion within the shroud itself. Also, I prefer this type of turbulent flow from the nozzle over the work. I find that this gives a better flow of gases over the work to both heat the work and to purge any explosive atmosphere which might be around the work therefrom.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has two inturned flanges. Extreme outer flange 78 is of smaller diameter than inner flange 80. Therefore, there is a shoulder between the inner and outer flange whereby a filter may be placed upon the shoulder to filter the visible light as in my prior embodiment discussed above. There are tuyeres 82 through the inner flange so that if a filter is placed upon the shoulder, there will be a gas flow around the filter and on out and away from the device. Ring groove 84 extends circumferentially around the inner flange so that a spring ring may be used to hold the filter in place should one be used.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electrical power is carried by the electrical cable 14. Wire in the cable is a ground wire and is connected to the aluminum frame of the grip l0. Energized wire 92 extends to insulated connection 95 wherein it is connected to lamp wire 96. Energized wire 98 is attached to insulated connection I00 which is connected to one side of magnetic switch 102 and to power input terminal 104 of triac 106. The lower end of the magnetic switch 102 is connected by resistor 108 to switching connector 110 of the triac 106. The wires connecting the switch 102 to the resistor 108 are anchored by insulated connection 118 to the aluminum frame of the grip 10. Power output connection 112 of the triac 106 is connected to insulated connection 114 to lamp wire 116. Referring to FIG. 7, it will be noted that the magnetic switch 102 is proximate the bore 32 carrying the magnet 34. The magnet is positioned in the device as built so that when there is no gas flow, the magnet is in the lower position as seen in FIG. 6 and is away from the magnetic switch 102. However, the flow of gas which occurs when the valve 40 is open causes the magnet 34 to move upward so the switch 102 is in its influence and, therefore, closed. When this occurs. there is voltage supplied to the switch connector 110 of the triac 106 which, in effect, connects the power input 104 to the power output 112. This, of course, energizes the lamp 26. The lamp wires 96 and 116 extend through the pedestal 22 into the shroud and are connected to the base as seen in FIG. 3. All of the wires have not been traced from the connectors 95 and 114 in the grip 10 through the pedestal to the shroud l8 inasmuch as those with ordinary skill would be able to make the device without the schematic and, also, the schematic would be identical to that shown in my prior patent application referred to above and specifically referred to for reference.

The embodiment shown and described above is only exemplary. I do not claim to have invented all the parts, elements or steps described. Various modifications can be made in the construction, material, arrangement, and operation, and still be within the scope of my invention. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims. The restrictive description and drawing of the specific example above do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but are to enable the reader to make and use the invention.

1 claim as my invention:

1. In a soldering device having a. a base,

b. a lamp attached to the base,

c. a reflector surrounding the lamp for focusing the heat rays emitted therefrom, and

d. a power source of electricity for the lamp connectable thereto,

e. The improved structure for cooling the lamp and reflector and for purging the work comprising:

f. a shroud having i. a circular cross section with ii. an axis extending along the focal axis of the reflector,

g. a base plate to which the base is attached in the shroud,

gg. said shroud i. surrounding said base, lamp, and reflector,

ii. spaced from the reflector to form an annular area therebetween, and

iii. having an open front through which the heat rays are projected by the reflector,

h. a block in the rear end of the shroud, including means cooperating with the base plate to form j. a plenum between the base plate and block.

k. tube means for supplying pressurized gas to the plenum,

m. perforations through the base plate to pass gas from the plenum around the base and into the space between the reflector and the shroud,

ii. an opening in the reflector around the lamp to pass gas around the lamp,

0. a nozzle attached to the front of the shroud,

p. tuyeres between the shroud and the reflector at the nozzle attachment to pass gas from the annular area outside the reflector into the nozzle,

q. said nozzle having an outlet through which said gas and said heat rays are emitted,

r. the cross sectional area of the attachment of the nozzle to the shroud being at least four times greater than the cross sectional area of the outlet of the nozzle,

s. said nozzle also functioning to protect the bulb from breakage,

t. a switch means responsive to the flow of gas to the plenum for connecting the power source to the lamp,

u. a flow path for gas connected to said tube means,

v. a movable magnet in the flow path, wherein w. said switch means is magnetically actuated responsive to the position of said magnet, and

x. a pistol-grip handle having i. an index finger bight,

ii. a forward portion where the fingers encircle the grip, and iii. a back where the palm contacts the grip,

y. said pistol-grip handle attached to the shroud,

z. the entire device having a center of gravity,

aa. the center of gravity located between lines extended from the forward portion of the grip and the back of the grip.

2. The invention as defined in claim I with an additional limitation of bb. an internal circumferential flange on the nozzle surrounding the outlet thereof to spoil the smooth flow of air from the nozzle.

t I i t i 

0. a nozzle attached to the front of the shroud, p. tuyeres between the shroud and the reflector at the nozzle attachment to pass gas from the annular area outside the reflector into the nozzle, q. said nozzle having an outlet through which said gas and said heat rays are emitted, r. the cross sectional area of the attachment of the nozzle to the shroud being at least four times greater than the cross sectional area of the outlet of the nozzle, s. said nozzle also functioning to protect the bulb from breakage, t. a switch means responsive to the flow of gas to the plenum for connecting the power source to the lamp, u. a flow path for gas connected to said tube means, v. a movable magnet in the flow path, wherein w. said switch means is magnetically actuated responsive to the position of said magnet, and x. a pistol-grip handle having i. an index finger bight, ii. a forward portion where the fingers encircle the grip, and iii. a back where the palm contacts the grip, y. said pistol-grip handle attached to the shroud, z. the entire device having a center of gravity, aa. the center of gravity located between lines extended from the forward portion of the grip and the back of the grip.
 1. In a soldering device having a. a base, b. a lamp attached to the base, c. a reflector surrounding the lamp for focusing the heat rays emitted therefrom, and d. a power source of electricity for the lamp connectable thereto, e. The improved Structure for cooling the lamp and reflector and for purging the work comprising: f. a shroud having i. a circular cross section with ii. an axis extending along the focal axis of the reflector, g. a base plate to which the base is attached in the shroud, gg. said shroud i. surrounding said base, lamp, and reflector, ii. spaced from the reflector to form an annular area therebetween, and iii. having an open front through which the heat rays are projected by the reflector, h. a block in the rear end of the shroud, including means cooperating with the base plate to form j. a plenum between the base plate and block, k. tube means for supplying pressurized gas to the plenum, m. perforations through the base plate to pass gas from the plenum around the base and into the space between the reflector and the shroud, n. an opening in the reflector around the lamp to pass gas around the lamp,
 0. a nozzle attached to the front of the shroud, p. tuyeres between the shroud and the reflector at the nozzle attachment to pass gas from the annular area outside the reflector into the nozzle, q. said nozzle having an outlet through which said gas and said heat rays are emitted, r. the cross sectional area of the attachment of the nozzle to the shroud being at least four times greater than the cross sectional area of the outlet of the nozzle, s. said nozzle also functioning to protect the bulb from breakage, t. a switch means responsive to the flow of gas to the plenum for connecting the power source to the lamp, u. a flow path for gas connected to said tube means, v. a movable magnet in the flow path, wherein w. said switch means is magnetically actuated responsive to the position of said magnet, and x. a pistol-grip handle having i. an index finger bight, ii. a forward portion where the fingers encircle the grip, and iii. a back where the palm contacts the grip, y. said pistol-grip handle attached to the shroud, z. the entire device having a center of gravity, aa. the center of gravity located between lines extended from the forward portion of the grip and the back of the grip.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 with an additional limitation of bb. an internal circumferential flange on the nozzle surrounding the outlet thereof to spoil the smooth flow of air from the nozzle. 